Illustration: Rahul / DNA

NEW DELHI: After cars, it is the turn of the two wheelers to go green. 

Just weeks after Bajaj Auto said it is developing products that run on CNG and LPG, Britain-based Ultra Motors India says it is in talks with leading two-wheeler makers in the country for partnerships to launch electric two-wheelers.

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Electric vehicles are noiseless, zero emission vehicles driven by a DC motor that operates on rechargeable batteries. According to the AC Nielsen survey, such vehicles can be operated at as low as 1/10th the cost of the petrol version of the same two-wheeler, with two-thirds maintenance cost.

The electric two-wheelers by Ultra Motors will have a complete battery kit which is loaded on to a frame. Over the past three years, the kit has been indigenised by Ultra Motors and the company is now talks with leading two-wheeler makers in the country for partnerships. It plans to launch four electric two-wheeler variants in the price range of Rs 10,000 to Rs 26,000 by October.

Already, two companies - Electrotherm in Gujarat and Ace Motors in Pune - have launched electric two wheelers in their respective markets by importing battery kits and assembling the final product. Ultra plans to develop the entire product in India through partnerships with two-wheeler market leaders. 

Says Deba Ghosal, director, marketing, Ultra Motors: “We want to sign agreements with leading two-wheeler manufacturers in the country for launching these vehicles. While we will provide the complete kit, including the motor, battery, controller, battery charger, wiring harness and a throttle, the partner will provide the mechanical aspect. We will assemble the final product ourselves.”

Ghosal, however, did not disclose the names of domestic two-wheeler makers tying up with Ultra Motors.

Says Anang Dev Jena, head at Synovate India Motoresearch: “The trend of two-wheeler manufacturers going green is picking up. I believe over the next 4-5 years, as much as 20% of the two-wheeler market could be cornered by vehicles that run on alternative fuel.

Says Dilip Chenoy, director general at Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers: “Given the rising prices of petro-products, companies would be increasingly paying attention to alternative fuel technologies, hybrids and hydrogen fuel vehicles. Electric vehicles may be an interesting and viable option, provided regulatory issues such as recharging of the battery are cleared.”